Oktoberfest

Before we left the US we knew Oktoberfest was something we had to do before we left Germany. It's a must. Obviously.

Looks like he agrees. Who wouldn't?

Before we even got into the 10K-person tent, which happened before 8:00am, it was decided that Oktoberfest is something everyone needs to see. Once.

You've never seen so much rule and order in your life. Not to mention sanitary conditions. Truly unbelievable!

Nine of us made our way to the Hofbrauhaus Tent on a very early, very rainy opening weekend morning. After sprinting through the tent, with pushing involved, to get a table, we waited. We waited for food. We waited for beer. We waited for anything to happen. Finally, at the crack of 12:00, the mayor tapped the first keg and the 177th Munich Oktoberfest was alive. American music, with the occasional German traditional song, filled the air, as did the loud singing from instantly over-beveraged folks hailing from anywhere but Deutschland. Inevitably, things got a big crazy. Our neighboring table was particularly excitable. Chicken bones were thrown, glasses were broken. It was a long day in the Hofbrau tent, and the pretzels proved to be a nice distraction. As was the people-watching.

We made the most of our outrageous Oktoberfest Day. We held on nearly twelve hours. When 8:00pm rolled around, we were satisfied, tired, and about as sad to say good bye as we were to say hello to our pillows.

Our long day was an absolute success. Lots of great photos, lots of great memories...and I'll hold onto them tightly because it's safe to say once in a lifetime is enough for me.

 

Oh, Hofbrauhaus, you trouble maker.